Elbilia, Gilles

A Frenchman, Elbilia was the French and European welterweight champion in the 1980s who fought for the WBC world championship in 1984.

Birth and Death Dates:
b. February 15, 1957

Career Highlights:
Born in Paris, Elbilia won the bronze medal at the 1977 Maccabiah Games in the light-welterweight division. That year, he turned professional as a welterweight and won his first bout in a six-round decision over Jean-Michel Iger in Paris. Elbilia then won 17 of his next 19 fights to earn a title shot. In October 1982, Gilles defeated Claude Lancastre in a 12-round decision for the French welterweight championship.

The following year, Elbilia also became the European welterweight champion when he defeated Frankie Decaestecker in a 12-round decision. He successfully defended his European title in February 1984 when Nino La Rocca quit in the ring due to an injury (the contest was ruled a sixth-round TKO).

Two months later, on April 15, Elbilia travelled to the United States and fought Milton McCrary in a title bout for the WBC welterweight championship; Gilles lost the fight on a sixth-round knockout. Elbilia fought once more, in March 1985, and was knocked out by Juan Pablo Baez in the third round. Gilles retired in 1985, having won 23 of 27 career fights.

Origin:
Paris, France

Career Statistics:
Professional record (incomplete):
Wins: 23 (3 by knockout)
Losses: 4
Draws: 0

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